The Australian government announced its plan to build a new icebreaker ship that will allow scientists to extend access to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. The icebreaker ship is expected to showcase modern, sophisticated features for future marine science research to provide the needs of Australians.

Australian scientists will be able to use the modern platform of the ship in both sea ice and open water for better marine science research, according to a press release by the Department of Environment. The government hopes that the ship would improve the country’s future Antarctic programme.

The icebreaker features a multi-beam bathymetric echo sounder for seafloor mapping and “portable and flexible science laboratories” for scientists to perform studies. Environment Minister Greg Hunt said that the ship will be faster, larger and stronger with an increased endurance compared to the Aurora Australis used in the Southern Ocean since 1989.

The icebreaker will work as the “backbone” of Australia's operations in the Antarctic by improving its physical presence and scientific research, the Department of Environment stated. The new ship will be placed in Hobart where the ageing Aurora Australis has been ported for decades.

The multi-purpose icebreaker would also help to open opportunities for Tasmanian businesses to offer a range of support services within its estimated 30-year lifespan, Hunt added in the release. The project was described as the single largest investment in the history of Australia's Antarctic programme. The government has also provided funding to modernise shore-side infrastructure and equipment at the country’s Antarctic stations and in Hobart.

The new ship will be designed and built by the Australian company DMS Maritime Pty. Ltd. The company was also selected by the government to operate and maintain the icebreaker. The government aims to build the new icebreaker in 2019.

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